Progressive South Jersey Democrats condemn election manipulation by Norcross-aligned Camden County machine

Progressive South Jersey Democrats condemn election manipulation by the Norcross-aligned Camden County machine and affirm the right of the public to determine their own representation. On June 17, 2022, Democratic Camden County Chairman (and LD 6 State Senator) Jim Beach sent an email to members of the Camden County Democratic Committee informing them that Commissioner Carmen Rodriguez had resigned from her duties. office four days before the June 7 primary election and that his replacement would be named at a closed-door meeting on June 29. It’s a decision the public should make. The public has the right to determine who will represent them in their county government.

Camden County Commissioners control a budget of half a billion dollars. That’s over $70,000,000 per commissioner. County commissioners oversee county roads, parks, technical schools, community colleges, libraries, etc. They also control millions of dollars in government contracts and have the ability to maintain the pay-for-play system or enact much-needed reform, the kind of reform progressive South Jersey Democrats are working toward.

“The South Jersey Progressive Democrats were hoping for a change that this primary would only feature people sincerely seeking office, but apparently there was a phantom candidate on the ballot after all. This phantom candidate was Carmen Rodriguez who had already resigned from her post before the election. More than 85,000 Democrats entered last week’s primary and they did so again without essential information, thanks to the Norcross machine. Those who voted for Carmen Rodriguez did so meaninglessly since someone else will be selected behind closed doors without their input. More than 12,000 Camden County voters voted for South Jersey Progressive Democrats nominee Rebecca Holloway, earning her the most challenger commissioner votes in more than a decade. The Norcross machine will install one of theirs behind closed doors on June 29 and the progressive South Jersey Democrats will be there, rallying outside, calling for their underhanded tactics to silence the voices of the public,” said President of the Progressive Democrats of South Jersey, Kate Delany.

“Resigning from a County Commissioner position in secret a week before the primary election is not only unethical and underhanded, but disenfranchises Camden County voters. At a time when the spotlight is on the right to vote, the Camden County Democratic Committee chose to double down on backroom politics, hoping its constituents simply wouldn’t notice. However, we are monitoring,” said Rebecca Holloway, candidate for Camden County Commissioner.

“Voters in the Democratic primary should have been informed that incumbent Carmen Rodriguez resigned from her position on the Board of Commissioners prior to the primary and had no intention of running if elected in the primary. As a member of the Camden County Democratic Committee in favor of good governance and an open and transparent process, I would like the Committee to give Camden County Democratic voters the opportunity to choose who is on the ballot. vote for the vacancy in the general election. . Either a special election should be held or Rebecca Holloway should be chosen to replace Ms Rodriguez on the November ballot because she had the second highest number of votes in the primary election,” said Joe Bouvier, Democratic committee member from Merchantville.

South Jersey Progressive Democrats invite community members who want to take a stand for fair elections and the right of the public to determine their own representation to join them in a June 29 rally outside the closed-door meeting of the Camden County Democratic Committee. RSVP here to attend. For any questions or more information, please contact [email protected]

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